Summer Road Trip - Day 1

Weather Conditions: Quite hot in Chicago.

Yes, I am writing from Chicago, Illinois. Departing from Toronto, it's my first time driving through Northern United States, and so far I have to say it's not as pleasant as driving through the Pacific Coast Highway. There is a lot of construction here, and boy are there a lot of tolls along the I90. Granted that it's only 80 cents each time, but I have spent about $4 so far.

Being that it's a road trip, I don't intend to do much sight seeing as I get quite wiped at the end of it. Having said that I do want to take advantage of finding good eats wherever I go. In Chicago, I ended up going to Quartino. It's located in downtown Chicago and unfortunately got there half and hour late -- crazy traffic tie-ups on the I290. After finding a parking spot (quite quickly), I find Quartino and packed! Here is the thing though, despite I miss my reserveration BIG TIME, they did their best to get me in quickly. I must commend Kevin, whom I believe is the manager there. He apologized several times for the wait, and even bought the wine and offered complimentary meatballs. Now, that's what I call service.

Interestingly, I had a discussion with my parents last week over going for Shanghai food in Scarborough. We got to this restaurant, and it was packed. There were several groups before us, and no staff came to greet us. You see, unlike western restaurants, Chinese restaurants typically do not separate the host/hostess, waiting staff, bus-people, etc. As a result, we, as well as a few other groups, just left. If I went to a western restaurant, I would be greeted by someone at the door, and I would be able to ask how long the wait is. Even if I do end up leaving, I wouldn't feel bad and would most likely return. Let's just say I don't think I would be going back to that Shanghai place.

Now, going back to Quartino, I should note that they have an awesome wine list (and actually bigger than their food menu). The food of course was amazing, as I had the opportunity to try their homemade sausages. Will I be going back? You bet!

Dessert consisted of going to Cold Stone Creamery. Mmm... Our Strawberry Blonde.

ps: black witch: wish you were here... you would've loved it!

Happy New Year! A Teaser Post

Weather Conditions: Dirty snow, cloudy and okay mild.

All About Timing

Weather Conditions: Left over snow from yesterday, somewhere in the -9ish.

All about timing. Got together with Darcy to get his winter tires on the EL, and BAM! -- Snow on the ground right after Vietnamese noodles. Am I going to blame noodles? Never!

On the way home, someone called in a tip about a traffic accident that happens to be on my usual path. Again, talk about timing. I was just about to turn to that street too. So I made the intelligent decision to take the next street to avoid the mess. That's what happens when snow hits the ground; people seem to forget how to drive for winter conditions. What I have seen are either people drive too aggressive or too paranoid.

So plans for tonight? I realized that I still haven't finished uploading my holiday photos from Asia. How long has it been? Only 7 months. Well, they are up now, so enjoy.